Puri: An unidentified man was allegedly stripped and brutally assaulted by a group of people at Jalakabar Chhak under Chandanpur police station limits in Odisha’s Puri district over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman with mental health issues.

According to reports, the incident took place at Jalakabar Chhak, where the man was allegedly caught by locals on suspicion of misbehaving with the woman. The group reportedly stripped him and launched a collective attack, taking the law into their own hands.

Chandanpur police rescued the injured man and sent him to a hospital for treatment. His identity has not yet been established, and he is suspected to have been under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the incident.

However, there are differing accounts of the circumstances leading to the assault. While local residents alleged that the man had behaved inappropriately with the woman while intoxicated, police reportedly said that he was beaten after sitting near her.

Police have detained two persons in connection with the incident. Further investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and determine the circumstances surrounding the assault.

The incident has once again raised concerns over mob violence and the need to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are dealt with through lawful procedures rather than vigilante action.